Tom Graves Named Georgia Trend 2009 40 Under 40

(RANGER, GA) – State Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ranger), Republican candidate for Georgia’s 9th Congressional District, was named one of Georgia’s 40 Under 40 by Georgia Trend magazine on Thursday.  Georgia Trend, The Magazine of Georgia Business and Politics Since 1985, highlights individuals from around the state who are making an impact in fields such as business, politics, non profits, academia, healthcare and the arts.  

“Each year, the 40 Under 40 finalists represent the ‘best and brightest’ among the rising young leaders in our state,” says Georgia Trend Publisher Neely Young. “It’s good to know the future of Georgia is in their hands.”

“This is truly an honor,” said Graves “Julie and I are humbled to have received this recognition.  And we look forward to continuing our service in North Georgia and working hard to provide common sense, free market, capitalist solutions to the difficult challenges our business communities face.”

Each year, Georgia Trend’s editorial staff asks the magazine’s readers to help identify those individuals who will lead our state’s business, cultural, academic and governmental institutions in decades to come.  According to Georgia Trend, almost 350 readers nominated 165 candidates and those who were chosen for the honor were selected for making an impact either on the entire state of Georgia or their own little corner of it.

Out of the forty to receive the honor, Graves was the only elected state official and 2010 candidate for office to make the list.

Profiles of each of the finalists can be found in the magazine’s October issue cover story and online at www.georgiatrend.com.  Copies of the magazine are available at Barnes and Noble, Borders and selected Kroger and Publix supermarkets.  

Graves recently received the “Legislator of the Year Award” from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) for his authorship and passage of The JOBS Act, HB 481 and 482, which received national attention.  These bills were focused on helping small businesses by creating, expanding and attracting jobs through a series of tax credits, cuts, and incentives for businesses to hire Georgians.

Last month, Club for Growth endorsed Graves’ candidacy for being “an outspoken advocate for tax relief and budget reforms in the Georgia Legislature” and was called “an upcoming leader who will stand up for taxpayers and fight to protect our freedoms in Washington.”
 
In the latest 9th District straw poll, Tom received well over 50 percent of the vote even with eight other candidates on the ballot.  Graves announced last May that he would seek the 9th District congressional seat left open by Congressman Nathan Deal’s decision to run for Governor.  His campaign currently has over 300 grassroots volunteers and is organized in all 15 counties of the district.